Chapter 243: The Goddess Restores Her Purity Again; Ascending the Heavenly Dao Sect, Stirring Winds and Clouds (3)
The previously chaotic hall suddenly fell completely silent.
Countless proud geniuses sat in rapt attention as the Sect Master spoke, their eyes shining ever brighter.
One of the primary purposes of this grand event was for the Sect Master herself to select a husband for the Goddess!
They had all been eagerly anticipating this.
After stating this, the Sect Master turned to address the real leaders of the various sects.
The second goal of this gathering: to forge an official alliance among the sects!
"The Empress has already made her move, clearly intending to use us as her first target."
"If we don't unite, it's obvious we'll all fall under the court's control."
"Did we cultivate for years just to become the court's dogs?"
"Individually, we are weak. But together, we can rival anything!"
Her words echoed across the hall.
After a moment of silence, the crowd broke into applause.
Whether geniuses or high-level leaders, they had all heard her loud and clear.
Most of the young prodigies only had one thing on their minds—winning the beauty.
Their eyes burned with desire as they stared at the tall, silent figure seated at the front.
Though her face remained unseen, her golden-ratio figure and icy aura said it all.
Besides, everyone knew the strength of the Heavenly Dao Sect.
To be its Goddess, and the personal disciple of the Dao Chief—that said enough.
Incredible talent and unmatched beauty—what kind of man could resist such temptation?
The upper ranks of the sects exchanged glances with visible agreement.
Clearly, the Sect Master's speech resonated with them as well.
Anyone present had already prepared to stand against the court.
Those who didn't show up were cowards, destined to be purged in the future.
But they? They were comrades in a unified front!
As the speech ended, the atmosphere surged with enthusiasm and solidarity.
Tang Xuan looked over the bustling scene, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.
He might keep quiet around the true masters, but not among his peers.
To him, these people were mere trash—future cannon fodder.
Because he knew the truth behind this so-called marriage event.
Did these fools really think they had a chance at winning his Goddess?
But!
Just as the event was about to begin, an unexpected visitor arrived.
Many in the crowd looked at him with confusion.
Others—especially the young geniuses—glared with hostility.
Some of them were quite handsome themselves, but compared to this newcomer?
This elegant young man made them feel utterly inferior.
"So lively. How could I miss out on this?"
Su Qing smiled at those staring at him.
He came alone, ignoring all the hostile stares as he calmly walked to the front.
"This brat is way too rude!"
"Whose disciple is he, acting like we don't even exist?"
Grumbles of discontent spread throughout the crowd.
The young prodigies' glares intensified, yet none dared make a move.
No one recognized him—and no one was foolish enough to provoke someone mysterious.
Only the Fifth Elder's smile completely vanished.
As someone who had personally experienced his wrath, she felt a chill run through her.
Why... why was he here?!
"Greetings, everyone. I believe you've heard of me, though few have met me."
"After today, I hope you remember this face. It'll make things easier later."
"I am the Southern Court's highest official, the Empress's closest confidant, and your future master."
Su Qing swept his gaze across the hall, flashing an impossibly bright smile.
He had never participated in something this thrilling before.
Sure, he'd charged into the Black Tortoise Camp alone once, but that was just a drill.
This—deep in enemy territory—this was real.
He stood alone, yet defined arrogance to perfection.
The entire hall froze in stunned silence.
Even the sharpest minds among the prodigies needed a full two seconds to process.
"You?!"
"You vile bastard! You dare show your face here?!"
Fury erupted among the crowd.
They had seen arrogance before, even considered themselves arrogant.
But this boy had redefined the concept entirely!
It was like the enemy's top strategist crashing your war council, flipping a table, and declaring you all his dogs.
Even the most composed now struggled to control their rage.
He was detestable beyond words!
"Insolent brat!"
One sect master's eyes flared with murderous intent.
A terrifying aura burst from him, crushing toward the boy.
Since he dared show up, he would make sure he never left.
And yet—
"Shhh, quiet~~!
Why not ask yourself: why am I standing here so calmly?"
"Try guessing how many troops are behind me. Guess how many of you will leave here alive."
Su Qing raised a single finger, calmly delivering his warning.
Silence fell again.
The mountain-like pressure aimed at him dissolved instantly.
What replaced it was a heavy mix of suspicion and dread.
If a mere court lackey could appear here unchallenged, did it mean the sect's proudest defensive formation had already been breached?
In other words, were the Empress's elite troops already watching from the shadows, ready to strike?
Even the sect leaders on stage, including the two mighty Martial Chiefs, found themselves momentarily rattled.
They might hold the world in contempt, but even celestial beings couldn't withstand a legion of elite cavalry.
You might escape—but what about your sect, your family, your friends?
How many could you actually save?